Sci-fi yard sale: The final frontier for collectorsBy Ben WernerVirginian-Pilot correspondent© May 24, 2013VIRGINIA BEACH

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."

Or in Lisabeth Albitz's case - the one.

On Saturday, her loss is a sci-fi collector's gain as Albitz, a "Star Trek" fan, hosts the annual Starfleet Atlantic Science Fiction Yard Sale.

Going on 10 years, the yard sale offers sci-fi aficionados a way to pare down collections, said Joy Dean, Starfleet Atlantic's president.

"I love my collectibles, but love my space," Dean said. Yet, she conceded, "I'm always on the lookout for stuff related to the original series and the first movie, 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.' "

With "Star Trek Into Darkness" landing in theaters last week, the original series and rebooted motion pictures are big topics for Starfleet Atlantic members.

Starfleet Atlantic formed 34 years ago so the city's science fiction fans could swap science fiction news, debate plot lines and discuss character developments.

But even with the heavy dose of "Star Trek" memorabilia expected for sale this year, Albitz - a Starfleet Atlantic member - said other science fiction franchises will be represented.

Sure, Albitz is selling original series artwork and a PEZ dispenser set depicting the crew of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

But she is also selling a vinyl copy of Queen's "News of the World" record, which includes classics, "We are the Champions" and "We Will Rock You." Science fiction connoisseurs know the true value is the album's jacket cover - designed by Frank Kelly Freas, considered

the dean of science fiction artists.

Perhaps equally important to the yard sale is the story telling. Like the time Albitz, still in the Navy, escorted George Takei, known for playing Hikaru Sulu on the original "Star Trek" series. While visiting the beach, Takei wanted to go for a run on the Boardwalk.

"I made it about halfway and said, 'George, I can't make it anymore,' " Albitz said. "He said, 'That's OK, I'll pick you up on the way back.' And that's what he did."

At a convention years later, Takei asked Albitz if she was still running.

Albitz first met Takei in 1972 at the first convention she attended. She posed for a photo with Takei, who wore a brown leisure suit. That's also when her collection started with the acquisition of a "Star Trek" uniform used on the set of the original series.

That's not for sale.

Four decades later, memorabilia has taken over her house. Rare videos, action figures in original packaging with autographs from the character actors, art work, and virtually everything else carrying "Star Trek" and science fiction emblems spill from her hobby room.

She even has a Tribble from the original series episode, "The Trouble with Tribbles."

That's not for sale either.

Albitz joked her husband probably hopes for more paring than acquiring.

So seize the day and check out this otherworldly yard sale - the final frontier for science fiction lovers.

 

The Starfleet Atlantic Science Fiction Yard Sale is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 25 (rain date June 1) at 4844 Linshaw Lane in Virginia Beach (Haygood/Aragona Village area). For more information, call 499-2359 or email starfleetatlantic@gmail.com.

Posted to: Community News Virginia Beach Community

1 OF 2 PHOTOS: Lisabeth Albitz stands next to her wall of Star Trek memorabilia, accumulated during more than 40 years of being a science fiction fan. Albitz home hosts the annual Starfleet Atlantic Science Fiction Yard Sale in Virginia Beach, Saturday May 25.